Let’s explore the practice and potential of meditation. 

May 11-18, 2024

Meditation––perhaps more than any other human endeavor––has the potential to positively impact us at every level. When done consistently meditation practice has been proven to enhance cognition, strengthen the immune system and build resilience. It balances the emotions, awakens creativity, and can help address a wide range of mental health conditions. Meditation offers the possibility of accessing the summit of spiritual experience, where one can know a lasting source of peace, wholeness, joy and freedom. Indeed, the state of meditation is the culmination of yoga.

The Art and Science of Meditation course has been developed for seekers, as well as facilitators including, but not limited to, yoga and meditation teachers, psychotherapists, care-providers, counselors and performance coaches. Whether you are an experienced meditator or wanting to develop or deepen your practice, anyone interested in benefiting personally or wanting to share these practices, its theory and various applications can take this course.

As one of the leading proponents of meditation in the west, drawing from his mastery of the ancient wisdoms of Yoga, Tantra, and Vedanta approaches to meditation, Rod has developed a comprehensive––experiential and engaging––curriculum, to enhance the life of each participant.

Throughout the centuries, many approaches to meditation evolved, informed by different perspectives and goals. As a result, all practices do not lead to the same outcomes. The rich diversity of practices means that there are literally hundreds of techniques, from a variety of philosophical orientations, that one can practice. Thus, knowing how to practice is as essential as learning what to practice and how to identify the most effective technique to fulfill specific needs––whether for yourself or for the purpose of guiding others.

This 40-hour immersive training elucidates both the key principles of practice as well as the scope and application of meditation techniques and their application. It spans the most relevant techniques for today’s practitioners and the theories––from neuroscience to metaphysics––that help us understand how to apply this timeless practice and its various approaches. By the time you have completed this enriching immersion you will have unparalleled understanding about the scope of meditation practice

As part of our study and experiential focus––and for the purpose of creating a completely holistic immersion––the course also includes the practice and study of accessible asana and pranayama practices. Participants will directly experience and learn how these practices elevate and accelerate the benefits of meditation.

Some of the lecture content will include:

• How and why meditation works (from neuroscience to ancient wisdom)
• The processes of meditation and its stages
• Theories on how specific breath and asana sequences elevate meditation
• The four intentions of meditation (how to categorize any and all approaches)
• Selecting the right practice for yourself or others
• Meditation and mental health: addressing anxiety, depression and trauma
• Strategies to heighten the effectiveness of practice
• The structure of mind according to Vedanta
• Techniques that build resilience and self-reliance
• A systematic approach for developing/deepening a practice
• How to guide practice (voice, pace, the use of silence, etc.…)

Some of the meditation techniques we will practice include:

• Meditation on Breath: 3 Variations
• Mantra
• Kriya Meditation
• Heart-Centered
• Witness (Mindfulness)
• Contemplations on: resolving anger and judgement
• Self-compassion
• Meditation for self-esteem
• Cultivation of unconditioned joy

This 40-hour course is one of the eight immersive/training modules that comprise the 300- hour Tantra Yoga Alchemy certification for Yoga Alliance registry. It can be taken as part of that program or as a stand-alone course. Open to all interested students!

About Blue Spirit

Blue Spirit Costa Rica is one of our favorite places on the planet! Rated by Yoga Journal in 2017 as one of the world’s “best yoga escapes,” it provides an extraordinary setting to all who are dedicated to spiritual transformation, personal development, and environmental sustainability. Perched on a hilltop that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a three-mile long white sand beach that is protected as a turtle refuge, Blue Spirit offers an extraordinarily beautiful and natural setting on one of Costa Rica’s renowned beaches.

Blue Spirit is located in one of the world’s Blue Zones© which inspired the name Blue Spirit. According to author Dan Buettner, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of five Blue Zone’s in the world: a Blue Zone is an area where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. While visiting Blue Spirit, you will feel the resonance of a vibrant, inspiring, and healing energy, because of the rich subtropical environment, and the cultural lifestyle.

Your stay at Blue Spirit offers you a comfortable and elegant accommodation of your choice, delicious gourmet vegetarian cuisine, a salt-water infinity pool, koi pond, café, gift shop, spa and longevity services, outdoor excursions, and complimentary wireless service.

 All prices listed below cover the following: your accommodations, the classes and curriculum, three meals each day, and use of Blue Spirit’s beautiful facilities.

They do not include: airfare, travel insurance, airport transfers (scroll down for information about booking your airport shuttle), spa treatments, optional excursions, or gratuities. Please do not book your airfare until you have registered for this training.

To learn more about Blue Spirit, visit their website, where you will find more pictures, information about excursions, spa treatments, amenities and more, visit their website: www.bluespiritcostarica.com.

Photo Credit: DJ Pierce

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AND PRICES

Please note that in order to be eligible for the per-person double occupancy rate, you will need to have 2 paying adults in the room.  Once you have made your reservation in a double occupancy room, please send an email to info@parayoga.com to notify us of the name of your roommate.  And even if you think you could never, ever imagine canceling your participation in this amazing retreat, please scroll down to read our cancellation policy as it is firm (purchasing trip insurance is recommended).

The following are located in the main building: Superior Ocean View Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Mountain View Rooms, and Hermitage Rooms.

Nature Suites, Eco Cottages, Pacifico Cottages, and Tent Platforms are down the hill from the main building, accessed by beautiful sets of stairs that wind through the jungle.

In other words: If you have mobility issues, be sure to check the location of your room before booking. Many room options will have a long flight of steps to reach our reception desk. The dining and pool will be on different levels, sometimes several flights of stairs away from your room. Because the additional accommodations beyond the main building are built along a hill, outdoor exploring around will involve walking on steps. There is an elevator in the main building.

Note: To take advantage of early bird pricing, you must pay in full. Early bird pricing ends February 5th. All balances are due April 2. 

Superior Ocean View Room with A/C | SOLD OUT!

These beautiful double rooms have step-out balconies and lots of windows with extraordinary ocean views. The room is elegantly furnished to provide the most luxurious space for couples or singles. Each room has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Superior Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Single Occupancy Price: $3400

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $2520

Ocean View Room with A/C | SOLD OUT!

These double rooms have step-out balconies and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are tastefully furnished and provide the perfect space for two people. Each room has a king-sized bed or two twins, with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Single Occupancy Price: $3015

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $2360

Mountain View Room with A/C – 1 LEFT!

This double room has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Mountain View Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Single Occupancy Price: $2855

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $2290

Pacifico Cottage with A/C | SOLD OUT!

The Pacifico Cottages are tucked away amidst the lush tropical gardens and close enough to the sandy Pacific Beach so that the sound of the Ocean will rock you into sleep.  Perfect for a couple, these beautiful and rustic new rooms feature a private porch with a hammock, 1 queen bed, an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a safe big enough to fit a 17″ laptop. From the main building the Cottages are a short walk down the hill towards the beach.

Single Occupancy Price: $2910

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $2256

Nature Suite with A/C | SOLD OUT!

Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle.  Each Suite sleeps two people in either a king bed or two twin beds and includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the Main Building. Nature Suites have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Single Occupancy Price: $2750

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $2160

Hermitage Single | SOLD OUT! 

These rooms are specifically designed for singles and provide privacy and elegance while being cozy and inexpensive. Many of these rooms have partial views of the ocean and others of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning.  Hermitage Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Single Occupancy Price: $2315

Hermitage Twin Bedroom with A/C  – SOLD OUT!

These rooms are specifically designed for two people and provide privacy and elegance, while being cozy and inexpensive. Many of these rooms have partial views of the ocean and others of the mountains nearby, two twin beds, a private bathroom with solar hot water and a air conditioning. Hermitage Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $1945

Eco Cottage – 1 LEFT!

The cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. They are simple and natural wood frame structures with screening for natural ventilation. Each Cottage sleeps two people and has a private bathroom with an ambient temperature water shower, or you can use our shared bathhouse with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar-powered electricity to provide a comfortable and ecological setting. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involve a short hike up a stone stairway to get to the Main Building. Each Eco-Cottage has a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer. Note: These twin beds cannot be pushed together.

Single Occupancy Price: $1935

Double Occupancy Price, per person: $1640

Platform Tent: SOLD OUT!

Single Occupancy Price: $1620

Commuter Fee: We are waiting to hear if Blue Spirit is back to welcoming Commuters once our retreat is sold out.

Children’s Rates:

If a child shares a room with 2 adults / parents, then there is no extra housing charge – only the meal charge.

If a child shares the room with a single adult, then the parent pays a Single Occupancy room charge plus the meal charge for the child.  Note: best room category for sharing space with your little ones is the Nature Suite.

The meal charges per child are:

ages  0-3 free

4-12  $200 per meal/week

13-17 $300 for meal/week

Any teen wanting to participate in the actual programs must be registered at adult package fees.

Proposed Schedule (please be advised this may be adjusted):

Saturday:

8-9pm Welcome Meeting after Dinner

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: